Families, Schools Raise Concerns Over Changes to Davidson County Special Olympics Spring Games
Families of children with disabilities and at least one Davidson County school raised concerns this week following changes to this year’s Davidson County Special Olympics Spring Games, citing reduced participation, the removal of longstanding traditions, and a lack of communication surrounding the decision-making process.
According to families, Davidson County Parks and Recreation and the local Special Olympics program made several changes to the annual event, including limiting participation through a new registration system, eliminating peer buddies, removing banners and other activities, and relocating the event from a school-based setting to the Parks and Recreation Center without notifying the community.
In a letter sent to families, Savannah Sperrazza, principal of Stoner-Thomas School, confirmed that the changes were communicated to the school by the Davidson County Special Olympics office. Sperrazza wrote that due to a new and “very demanding registration system,” only 30 of the school’s 90 students were successfully registered to participate in this year’s Spring Games.
“This is deeply disappointing and not reflective of our students’ desire and right to participate in such a meaningful experience,” Sperrazza wrote.
The letter also noted that the Spring Games would no longer be hosted at a school, removing traditionally inclusive opportunities alongside non-disabled peers. Several long-standing elements—including the banner competition, Olympic Village featuring community sponsors, and initially the opening parade—were removed under the revised format.
While families will still be permitted to attend, Sperrazza wrote that “many of the most cherished and meaningful components of the day have been removed.” She added that Davidson County Schools strongly advocated against the changes, noting the Spring Games have historically been “a full day of joy, excitement, celebration, and inclusion,” often considered a highlight of the school year for students and families.
According to the school, Davidson County Schools is now in the early stages of planning an alternate event to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate in a celebration that honors their abilities, achievements, and spirit. Families of students who were successfully registered are expected to be contacted individually to confirm participation in the revised event scheduled for March 23 at the Parks and Recreation Center.
Concerns were also echoed publicly by community leaders. Outgoing Davidson County Commissioner Chris Elliott, whose child with special needs is an active participant in Special Olympics, stated on social media that he only recently learned of the changes. Elliott described the annual opening parade as his son’s “favorite part of the day” and thanked State Senator Steve Jarvis for assisting with outreach and policy-related discussions at the state level. He, and other families are advocating for a local advisory board.
According to Elliott and other advocates involved in ongoing conversations with county officials and program leadership, several recent decisions will be amended, including the restoration of the opening parade. Advocates said reinstating the parade was a priority raised by families and community members during discussions following public concerns.
As of publication, Davidson County Parks and Recreation had not yet released formal details outlining all amendments but families indicated that a formal press release is expected to address community concerns and clarify which elements of the Spring Games will be restored or revised.
Families and educators say the situation highlighted broader concerns about communication and transparency, noting that schools and elected officials closely connected to the program were not fully informed prior to the changes.
Several families and advocates continue to call on Davidson County Parks and Recreation to seek broader community input and explore partnerships—such as Unified Champion Schools—to ensure the Spring Games reflect the inclusive mission long associated with Special Olympics.
This is a developing story.
